maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers

specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

maximum adjective

Synonyms

• max
• most
• outside

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Spring, the most inspiring of the seasons The effect is at its maximum in late June and late December. —Forrest Brown, CNN, 20 Mar. 2023

His one-year deal has a base value of $5 million with $4.15 million fully guaranteed, plus $4 million in playing-time incentives for a maximum of $9 million. —Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Mar. 2023

Just five states grant residents $100 or more each month, including Alaska, which stands alone in offering $200 monthly, the maximum under federal law. —Matt Sedensky, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Mar. 2023

Just five states grant residents $100 or more each month, including Alaska, which stands alone in offering $200 monthly, the maximum under federal law. —Matt Sedensky, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2023

For 2021, up to 70% of those expenses up to $10,000 could be claimed for a maximum of $7,000 per employee. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2023

Here, that lusty mill is tuned for more bottom-end torque (80 percent of its 528-pound-feet maximum is available at 2100 rpm) but still good for an 8000-rpm redline. —Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 7 Mar. 2023

In digital payments, for example, e-wallets still only accounted for a maximum of 7% of payments in the region (as of 2020). —Jakob Rost, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023

The car, beautifully kitted out with lots of rattan, light wood, and a sleek marble bar, has seating for a maximum of 12 passengers across six private rooms, each with two spacious seats. —Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum occupancy
• maximum likelihood
• maximum security prison

• maximum occupancy
• maximum likelihood
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

: the highest quantity, value, or development

2

: an upper limit allowed

maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

maximum adjective